Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics

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Jesse Owens in the 1936 Olympics

The Olympics, an event where the most physically fit push themselves to the extreme to win against other nations. In 1936, Adolph Hitler and the Nazis held the Olympics in Berlin, Germany. American athletes had a hard time deciding if they should travel to Berlin and take part in the Nazi Olympics. The Berlin Olympics was a personal issue for the American team, which included Jesse Owens. He wasn't sure that he should join the team because of the views that were expressed by the Nazis. Despite this, he had a lot to show the world.

He became a track star in Ohio, during his high school years. His high school track Coach Charlie Riley noticed his running ability when he saw him during a PE class, and asked him to join the tack team. When Owens told him he couldn't make it to after school practices because of his job. The coach personally offered to train him before school started in the morning. Owens agreed and began his training.

Jesse also accomplished many goals such as; during his senior year in high school he tied the world record for the 100-yard dash with a time of 9.4 seconds, and tied it again in the Interscholastic Championships in Chicago. At the Big Ten meet in Ann Arbor on May 25, 1935, Jesse set three world records and tied a fourth. As Jesse went to take his first attempt at the broad jump, he first put a handkerchief at 26 feet 2½ inches, the distance of the world record. He went back then started his run, he soared to a distance of 26 feet 8¼ inches, shattering the old world record by nearly 6 inches. "A big part of Hitler's superiority ideas, was that his Nazis should rule not just because they were better and smarter, but because they were stronger and healthier," sai...

... middle of paper ...

...dolph Hitler," said Owens.

Jesse Owens is a classic example of American patriotism. He and his team mates would not turn away because the other side didn't agree with there skin tone. They went into a place where the people first mocked them for being black. Jesse Owens faced them and went beyond. This is why Jesse Owens is one of the best-known athletes to ever grace the earth.

The story of him being discovered during a gym class I think is one of the best I have ever heard. He just dazzled people with his speed. His work ethic was unparalleled. He knew what he wanted and he did what ever he had to in order to get it.

I have read about Jesse Owens in many different sports books, and every time I learn something new about him. I think that Jesse did all the right things for him self and I admire that a lot, this is why I have chosen Jesse Owens.

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